The Minister of Health informed that 14 communes joined the Universal Primary Health Care (PHC) coverage, covering a cumulative total of 21 communes.
The 2024 Budget Law in Chile approved US$12.19 million for a total of 21 municipalities to be financed under this modality. In the 7 communes where Universal PHC was implemented in 2023, telehealth is already available, especially for patients living in remote areas where there are no Family Health Centers nearby. Social management was also improved through joint work between the community development departments and the health departments to provide comprehensive care to people. It is emphasized that universal coverage in PHC is an important step towards the transformation of the Chilean health system into a Universal Health System.
